Page 89 - Fishery_Regimes_2005

EMPAFISH Booklet nº 2 Fishery regimes in Atlanto-Mediterranean European MPAs

species (Alosa alosa, Boops boops, Sardina pilchardus, Scomber
japonicus, Scomber scomber, Trachurus trachurus, Trachurus
mediterraneus,), small long-lines, trammel nets or ‘parit’ for catching
demersal fish and cephalopods, ‘parit xkitt’ (combined gillnets-trammel
nets), for catching bogue and Trachurus spp. and ‘nasses’ (cane or
metal basket traps) for moray eels, octopus, spiny lobster, sardines
and picarel. Traditional fishing takes place mainly near sand banks and
escarpments. Bogue fishing is practised by fleet-owners (Rdum
Majjiesa). Hand-line fishing takes place all along the coast, except
along beaches, in places where access to the sea is possible. Basket
traps are also used near Fomm ir-Rih.
During spring, small boats fish for cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) in sandy
bays. A female specimen is used to attract and catch males. Gear is
often lost, particularly nets and traps abandoned on the seabed, which
have an adverse impact on fish fauna, and may be hazardous for
divers. The area is also popular for spear fishing for species such as
the dusky grouper (Epinephelus marginatus) and common octopus
(Octopus vulgaris).

Area Gear Seasonality Target Species Bycatch Species No. of
Vessels
Inside A / / / / /
(Zone) B,C,D / / / / /
E / / / / /
Trammel All year Alosa alosa, Sparidae spp.
nets round Boops boops, (e.g. Oblada
Sardina pilchardus, melanura,
Scomber japonicus, Pagrus pagrus)
P N/A
Scomber scombrus,
Trachurus trachurus,
Trachurus
mediterraneus
Traps All year Octopus vulgaris, Muraena helena,
round Spicara spp. Palinurus elephas, N/A
Boops boops,
Scorpaenidae spp.

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